In an all-parent encounter last week, the players stumbled upon this position, known as the Trebuchet. A trebuchet is a big wooden catapult, and its connection with this position is not known, except that it may catapult a player from joy to despair...

Normally, it's an advantage for it to be your turn so you can get on with your plan, but in this position, whoever has to move next, loses! Can you see how?

The visitors took an early lead when, on bottom board, Brian's extra
piece got sidetracked and the opposition's pawns rolled unstoppably
forward. (0-1)

It looked like we would be two down when Will lost a pawn early on,
but, with his opponent focussing on the Queen's-side, he picked up a piece
and put together some decisive threats on the other wing. (1-1)

Always-enterprising Chris Lowe did his best to upset Trefor's solid
build-up, but after some tense manoeuvres, was happy to agree a draw
when White refused to be distracted. (1½-1½)